Invisibles

Invisibles (Bonaire South)

Welcome to Invisibles, a renowned dive site on Bonaire's southern coast that offers a truly unique double-reef experience. This shore dive is a favorite among those who appreciate subtle beauty and the thrill of discovery, living up to its name by challenging divers to spot the extraordinary hidden in plain sight.

Dive Profile and Conditions

Accessing Invisibles is straightforward, typically an easy shore entry. Divers will begin with a swim of approximately 50 meters over a vast expanse of seagrass-flecked sand to reach the mooring buoy, which is secured at about 6 meters of depth. Here, you'll encounter a fascinating and somewhat unusual sight: a thriving colony of Brown Garden Eels in surprisingly shallow water. These slender eels typically live in burrows in sandy areas, extending their bodies to feed on plankton and retreating quickly when approached.

Beyond the mooring, the first reef ridge awaits, dominated by robust hard corals and scattered sea fans. This vibrant reef gradually slopes down to approximately 20 meters, where it gives way to a distinct sand channel. For those with the appropriate certification and navigation skills, venturing across this channel reveals the second reef. This deeper formation breaks into a captivating chain of sponge-covered coral islands, offering further exploration. The maximum depth at this dive site typically ranges from 6 meters to 30 meters, though some areas of the second reef can extend deeper, up to 40 meters, making it a rewarding experience for divers comfortable with deeper profiles.

The current at Invisibles is generally mild, making for a comfortable dive, though we always recommend good buoyancy control and awareness of conditions. The water temperature in Bonaire is consistently warm, typically ranging from 26°C to 30°C year-round, allowing for comfortable diving with minimal thermal protection.

Marine Life Encounters

Invisibles truly shines with its diverse marine inhabitants, many of whom master the art of camouflage and concealment:

• Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari): Keep a keen eye on the sandy flats and along the reef edges, as divers frequently encounter these majestic rays gliding gracefully through the water. Recognizable by their dark backs adorned with white spots and rings, they may even be seen digging in the sand for food.
• Brown Garden Eel (Heteroconger longissimus): As mentioned, the shallow colony near the mooring is a highlight. Observe them swaying in the current, feeding on plankton, and quickly disappearing into their sandy burrows if they feel threatened.
• Rosy Razorfish (Xyrichtys martinicensis): These masters of disguise are often found in the open sandy areas. With their knife-like bodies, they can dive head-first into the sand to vanish from predators in an instant.
• Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons): Look closely at the sandy bottom, and you might spot these charming fish hovering vertically above their meticulously constructed burrows. They are known for their constant "housekeeping," spitting out bits of sand and rock, and will quickly retreat tail-first into their homes when startled.
• Beyond these "invisibles," divers will also find a vibrant array of reef dwellers, including the formidable Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), the intricately patterned Spotted Moray Eel (Gymnothorax moringa), the colorful Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride), and the graceful Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Certification and Navigation

Invisibles is rated as an intermediate dive site. An Open Water Diver certification is required, but an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended, especially for those wishing to explore the deeper second-reef islands. The unique layout of sand channels and coral islands quietly demands good compass skills, making it a rewarding dive for navigators and a humbling one for the careless. We recommend planning your route carefully to fully appreciate the site's diverse topography.

For divers seeking a captivating blend of reef exploration, unique marine life, and a test of their navigational prowess, Invisibles offers an unforgettable underwater adventure in Bonaire.